Diamondback Overdrive Mountain Bike

In this article, we break down the top rated Diamondback bikes for 2016. Diamondback has built a reputation for manufacturing durable bikes that are often considerably cheaper than other brands. The company started as a BMX manufacturer, but now builds almost every type of bike, including mountain and road models.

Cyclists often view Diamondback as a manufacturer of entry-level models. This is partly true – the company does build a number of units for under $1000 – but they also produce models ranging up $7000 or more. Whether you need an entry-level model you can buy online, or a high-end model that’s suitable for competitive races, Diamondback can provide it.

Diamondback understands that not everyone wants the hassle of shopping in retail stores. Most Diamondback models can be bought online and assembled at home, so you don’t have to worry about dealing with salespeople. This also lets you avoid the premium prices associated with the stores.

Diamondback bikes are often cheaper than comparable ones from other brands. As long as you’re careful about which size you buy, and are willing to spend extra on a professional setup, buying a one online can be a great way to save money. This is especially true for an entry-level model.

Don’t assume that cheaper prices mean Diamondbacks are built with poor quality components though – that’s not the case. The company often uses brand name components from companies such as Shimano and SRAM. While budget models usually don’t come with a full groupset, this is the same for any manufacturer. If you want to buy a road or mountain bike online, Diamondback is one of the top brands to look for.

Top Three Rated Diamondback Bikes

Note: The comparison table above uses the, “Our Rating” score (out of 100 points) to rank the bikes based on our review. The individual reviews you read below may not be in order. We’ve added them in an effort to give you a better sense of each bike’s unique strengths and weaknesses.

Diamondback Bicycles 2016 Overdrive Hard Tail Complete

The Diamondback Overdrive falls somewhere between an entry-level and mid-range mountain bike. Considering the components and build quality, the Overdrive is priced fairly.

Overdrive models are built with a 6061-T6 aluminum alloy hard tail frame. Other components include disc brakes and a Shimano drivetrain.

The Diamondback Overdrive has received excellent reviews from buyers. A buyer on a review forum says that it is enjoyable to ride, stable on flats and is great for sprinting. In other words, it is versatile and won’t let you down in almost any situation.

A downside of the Overdrive is that the stock saddle can be uncomfortable on long rides. The saddle is usually the first thing you want to replace on any bike though, so this isn’t a surprise.

Diamondback Axis Mountain Bike

The Axis is a lightweight model that can generate some serious speed. It’s slightly more expensive than the Overdrive, but comes with high-quality components and excellent all-round performance. If you’re new to mountain biking, or an experienced cyclist looking for a backup model, the Axis is a good option.

There isn’t anything that stands out on the Axis. The components are solid but not spectacular, and the design is fairly standard. The Diamondback Axis is built with a lightweight butted aluminum frame. It’s available with 27.5” wheels, which provide the perfect compromise between acceleration and performance on tough terrain. Other components include an SRAM crankset, front suspension fork and disc brakes.

Keep in mind that the Axis, like most bought online, needs to be partially assembled. Reviewers say that the Axis takes around 1-2 hours to put together, although some buyers had problems making adjustments to the derailleur. If you are new to maintenance, we recommend taking it for a professional setup.

Diamondback Bicycles 2016 Century 1 Complete Road Bike

The Century 1 is an impressive road bike that’s built for both comfort and speed. It has a solid price tag considering the quality of the model, and a stylish aluminum frame. If you need something for long rides, commuting or even the occasional race, the Century 1 is a great option.

The Diamondback Century 1 is built with a 7005 aluminum alloy frame, is available with several different frame sizes, and comes with a Shimano drivetrain.

Buyers of the Century 1 have left several positive reviews. A reviewer mentions that the it’s riding position puts much less stress on the back than other models.

It’s great for casual riding, but if you want one for competitions you may want to look at more expensive options, especially those with a carbon frame.

Conclusion

Diamondback have become the “go to” brand for anyone who wants a reliable, durable model for less than $1000. Whether you’re looking for a mountain or road bike, or even a BMX, Diamondback manufacture a range of models for almost any riding purpose.

Unlike some other brands, Diamondback are happy to cater to online buyers, and provide models that are easy to assemble. If you don’t want to buy from a shop, or if you want to get higher quality components for less money, then Diamondback is an excellent option.

While many of the company’s units are entry-level models, this doesn’t mean that they are built with low-quality components. Diamondback models often receive excellent reviews from both buyers and professional critics, and usually score highly when it comes to value for money.